IMPLICATIONS OF THE CONTINUOUS USE OF PLANT NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON GROWTH OF SWEETPOTATO IN NFT

• Published in: HortScience Vol. 30; no. 3; p. 429
• Main Authors: Trotman, Audrey A, David, P.P, Mortley, D.G, Douglas, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.1995
• ISSN: 0018-5345; 2327-9834
• DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI.30.3.429b

In developing a nutrition management strategy that reduces the quantity of products entering the waste management stream, gaining an understanding of the patterns and fluctuations of nutrient levels and crop growth characteristics is essential. In a greenhouse study, `TU-82-155' sweetpotato was grown hydroponically for 120 days in three nutrient application–replenishment treatments: l) REG-solution changed at 14-day intervals and volume allowed to fluctuate; 2) daily replenishment with 10× concentrate of a modified quarter Hoagland's solution (MQH) or with water to regain set volume (30.4 liters) and maintain set point of electrical conductivity [(EC); 1050 to 1200 μmho]; 3) daily replenishment with l0× concentrate of a modified half Hoagland's solution (MHH) or with water to regain the set volume and maintain the set point of EC. There were no statistically significant differences among nutrient application protocols for storage root count, fresh and dry weights, and percent dry matter. The MHH treatment consistently yielded significantly higher leaf biomass and pencil roots (>1 mm in diameter), indicating a higher potential for increased storage root yield. A nutrient application protocol using treatment 2 has potential for reduced waste production if used in hydroponic sweetpotato production. The plants from the MQH treatment initiated vegetative buds at a significantly later date than in the other treatments and generally showed evidence of suppressed plant development.